The colors at Keukenhof are beautiful – and the groupings so huge, they seem unreal.

Here’s a snap of those famous striped fields. You’ll see a few of them on the way here to Keukenhof, and there are several on the outskirts of the massive gardens.

I can only imagine the amount of engineering, expertise, and creativity that goes into designing the elaborate layout each year.

As you may have noticed, it isn’t just tulips here at Keukenhof.

Further to the point, Keukenhof also has a lot of “lawn art” – not surprising as you do need some fountains and strange garden decor to break up all that color. This piece was rather striking (and oddly, mirrors some other cow-themed statues in this area of the country).

This isn’t one of those fly-eating flowers, but simply a tulip with a bit of a fringed edge. It’s kind of cheerful, in a way.

Awww: daffodils. Why do they make me smile, every time?

I loved the color of these stripy tulips, especially as they swayed in a passing breeze.

Pink is also a very popular color at Keukenhof. Hard to complain with views like this.

Keukenhof covers around 80 acres of ground. There are 7 million flower bulbs on those grounds. That’s almost ninety thousand flowers per acre!

When I first started filing through my photos to pick the Keukenhof shots for this photo essay, I knew I had to grab an image of these infamous black tulips. I hadn’t seen them before living in Amsterdam, and honestly you don’t see them often in the flower shops, though I have seen them as ultra-modern decor in restaurants and hotel lobbies. I’m not sure how I feel about them.

This yellow-and-red stripe was almost like impromptu border fencing. So sad to think they’ll all be out of bloom in a couple of months.

Last but not least is another shot of pink, because it’s so cheery and vibrant that it has to be good for you. And so is a trip to Keukenhof.

Good to Know

You’ll no doubt be visiting Keukenhof as a daytrip from Amsterdam. You’ll just want to take a train or bus to the airport (ask your hotel for the most convenient line). From there bus 58 runs to Keukenhof; during the major opening times, the buses are clearly marked (seriously, you can’t miss it), and you can buy a bus+entrance ticket for one price, around 20EUR. It’s a quick trip from Schipol Airport, about 35 minutes.

You’ll want to save 2-3 hours, at a minimum, to explore the grounds. There is food and drink (pretty good food and drink, actually) to get you through the day, but wear good footwear and appropriate coats/wet weather gear as you’ll be very outside/exposed.

Always check the Keukenhof website for opening dates and times.

And enjoy. It’s not just the world’s largest flower garden, but one of the prettiest as well.

Here’s some great latte porn – I love the leaves around the bottom. This one is from the nice folks at the Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver, Canada

Starbucks is one of the world’s most famous coffee companies. They don’t do this often, but here’s a shot of a barista attempting to latte art the company’s logo.

This great mystical face is from a cafe in South America, where your latte is known as a cafe con leche.

Nothing wrong with a little abstract art. Looks like a graffiti’ed latte.

Oh check it out – a swan!

This is, apparently, an alien head. While I couldn’t get Sigourney Weaver on the phone to confirm, my question is – was this intentional or just random? Either way – creepy.

It’s a cloud – I’m not sure what type of cloud, but it’s definitely a cloud.

I’ve seen this “burst” style latte art before. I like it – and the dark rim indicates a very good pour.

This cafe in Indianapolis is serving up a little bit of sunshine with their lattes.

And more with the cheerful theme – I love it when a barista can bright up my day, especially with a literally and figurative smile!

Last but not least is a lucky cup of coffee – that is, a coffee with a four leaf clover. What a lucky find.

Photo Credits: Flickr CC jimforest, Nonsequiturlass, capl@washjeff.edu, Peter Guthrie, rochelle, banditob, FeeBeeDee, PoYang, chris.corwin, richard winchell, CoffeeHero

Note: Thanks to popular request, we’ve added some additional items to our list!

The Great Synagogue – Budapest, Hungary

The exterior of this Budapest synagogue is quiet unique – you see architectural influences of the Moors, Gothic features, and of course a few traditional Jewish traditions. Inside, by tour only, you’ll be blown away by the incredible interior, one of the largest and most beautiful synagogues in the world. Don’t miss the beautiful artwork, particularly the weeping willow installation out back.

The Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

Like many of the entries in this photo essay, sometimes it’s less about the building and more about the location.

The caves of Meteora were inhabited over 50 centuries ago – but these incredible clifftop monasteries were build in the 1400s and 1500s. There were more but only 6 are left, all still as incredible as when built, and all still accesed by tiny staircases carved into the rocks.

The Church of St. George, Lalibela, Ethiopia

What’s interesting about the amazing 12th century churches is that there were not build, but excavated – the roofs of the churches sit level with the ground. Despite their incredible size and intricate details, they were built with hammer and chisel only, and have remained in continuous use.

There are 11 churches here, but the most lavish is St. Georges, with its iconic Greek cross roof. The interior of the church is rather plain, which seems fitting – the beauty is the building.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”) – Paro Valley, Bhutan

This incredible cliffside monastery was built in in the late 1600s around the cave where one of the founders of Buddhism in Bhutan is said to have meditated for three months. There are several ways to access the monastery, and perhaps walking through the mist is the perfect way to arrive at such a sacred place.

Wat Rong Khun – Chiang Rai, Thailand

I love how the white color of this template evokes such a vivid experience. This is actually a contemporary building – it was built between 1997-2008, though it excudes the classic sensibilities of all of the templates throughout Thailand. The modernness is reflected in the interior imagery too – many Hollywood films make an appearance!

Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain

Perhaps the world’s most famous church, still under construction. Work began in 1882 is expected to finish in 2041; the architect, Gaudi, is buired in the crypt. There are 18 towers to the temple and I highly suggest taking plenty of time for this visit, as there are so many various nooks and crannies to explore – and literally hundreds of unique photo opportunities.

Mont Saint Michel – Normandy, France

Mont Saint Michel is one of the most evocative religious structures in France, which is saying something considering the many beautiful abbeys and churches that cover the country. Mont Saint Michel sits on a small natural island. The increase in visitors here and the building of a causeway has caused a disturbance of how the tides ebb and flow around the church, but work is ongoing to return this to its original state – including a pedestrian-only bridge, which is sure to be a better travel experience.

Shwedagon Paya – Yangon, Myanmar

This religious site is hundreds of years old and this is the oldest Pagoda in the world, and it has many unique traditions associated with a pilgrimage here. The Pagoda is covered in pieces of gold leaf donated my locals, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. The dome is covered in thousands of diamonds and rubies, and inside is the most precious of all relics in Buddhism: eight strands of Buddah’s hair.

Potala Palace

The Great Fifth dalai Lama started building this incredible fortress in 1645. It’s part museum, part chapel, part government buidling. It’s was the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, and is the resting place for the former Dalai Lamas. The walk up the steps is quite strenuous as the elevation of the palace is quite high – by intention, as this area was thought to be well protected.

Borgund Stave Church – Norway

Dating back to 1180, this must be one of the prettiest churches in all of Europe. The church’s wonderful carvings have been well preserved and despite building architectually simple, it’s still a stunning and paceful place. While you are here I suggest enjoying a walk on Vindhellavegen and Sverrestigen – about a 2 hour loop.

Angkor Thom – Siem Reap, Cambodia

It’s hard to believe that the temples at Siem Reap were a working city – and a city of such incredible proportions. The hustle and bustle of Siem Reap would have paled in comparison. And now, just these incredible monuments remain, with their mysteriousness.

I loved many of the monuments, but perhaps the ancient stone faces of Angkor Thom left the biggest impression. What did they mean? Where happen to the people who made them?

Las Lajas Sanctuary – Ipiales, Colombia

Many people don’t think of religious architecture when you think of Colombia, but the Las Lajas leaves a lasting impression. The church sits right on a beautiful river gorge, in fine view of a waterfall cascade. You’ll spend hours wandering the area looking for the perfect photo spot – there are many!

The Temple of Heaven – Beijing, China

This is the crown jewel of Bejing’s Taoist building complex. It was built in the early 1400s and the architecture, both inside and outside, feels so bold and strong yet also simple, minimalist. There are several buildings and religious monuments in the area, such as the beautiful Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It’s one of the popular tourist attractions in Beijing.

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood – Saint Petersburg, Russia

One can’t visit Saint Petersburg without getting a great photo of this church, perhaps one of the most iconic images of Russia. It was named after the assassination of Alexander II. The church has more mosaics than any other in the worlds, and even on a blustery cold winter afternoon, it’s one of the prettiest spots in this wonderful city, which is home to a lot of spectacular architecture.

The Golden Temple – Amritsar, India

India is home to some incredible religious architecture, but perhaps the Gold Temple is the most touching. Officially the “Harmandir Sahib,” the building is considered one of the holiest sites by the Sikhs. The lake it sits on was enlarged after the original construction, and the gold plating that gives the temple its ethereal glow was added also in a late addition.

Durham Cathedral – Durham City, England

Durham City is a personal favorite stop for me in Northern England. The cathedral here is the best piece of Norman architecture in the world, and the tops of the towers jut up in the sky, tempting passers by on the London-Edinburgh train to stop for a look. A tour inside is a must, as well as a look up on the roof, which offers some spectacular views on a sunny day.

The Vatican – Rome, Italy

Last but not least, by popular request from our readers is the Vatican, perhaps one of the most famous churches in the world. It’s a massive complex of corridors and cathedrals, courtyards and vestibules, all steeped in the ancient rituals and rites of the catholic church, many of which still in active practice for centuries. (Try using an ATM – they’re in Latin!)

Photos by Flickr CC: Emmanuel Dyan, wentuq, Alastair Rae, zzkt, Muleonor, JSome1, Benjamin Feron, AntwerpenR, MartinLiao, zoetnet, archer10, Carlos Adampol, Lall, Simon Goldenberg, appaji, leuan jenkins, public domain

Nuremberg

This is my favorite Christmas market in the whole world. It’s just so charming, with hundreds of stalls, the smells of cinnamon and mulled wine in the air, all tucked away in the city centre of Nuremberg behind the old city walls. If you can only go to one market in your life make it this one. It’s dreamy. Also, the Christmas shopping here is superb.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart takes top marks for the largest Christmas market in Germany. There are the many concerts held daily, the squares full of ornaments, as well as the many food shops – take home some roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, candied almonds – though you’ll want to enjoy the fried sausages and tasty mulled wine while they’re still hot!

Also, the cookie above says “Merry Christmas” in German.

Cologne

Cologne is another one of my personal faves – have been several times. That’s a good thing, because Cologne has not one but several markets – one large market underneath the towering Dom cathedral, plus a children’s market, a crafty market, and even a market on a boat! Come hungry with all the great food, and stick around to enjoy Cologne’s great shopping and other attractions.

The original Christmas Markets in Germany, now centuries-old, have the same purpose then as they do today: a fun occasion to have some winter cheer and add a bit of spice to those long winter nights.

Hamburg

Hamburg is home to many of of Germany’s millionaires, and so its no surprise the city rolls out the red carpet for Christmas. Museums host Christmas-themed exhibits, ships along the lake get decked out in lights, and the squares with amazing shopping, food, and games. Consider a boat tour for some great photo opportunities!

Munich

A huge market dating back to the 16th century, some day this market hasn’t changed over theh centuries – from the traditional word carvings, to the wonderful glassware from the Bavarian Forest. Munich has 20 markets, like the children’s market, the ethnic festival, medieval Christmas, and even a gay Christmas!

Dortmund

Dortmund is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, and has one of the largest Christmas treets in Germany – it’s made with 1,700 individual trees, all wrapped in thirteen thousand Christmas bulbs – it’s a glory to see! If you’ve got children, don’t miss the popular puppy show and magic acts. And as you can see, they have lots of tasty sweets!

Frankfurt

While Frankfurt isn’t everyone’s favorite city, the skyscraper skyline becomes a backdrop for a wonderful array of parades and festivals during Christmas. Many of the stands and stalls at Römerberg and Paulsplatz have elaborate designs, and there are thousands of Christmas lights to make the night bright.

Dresden

Dresden is Germany’s oldest Christmas Market, dating back to 1434. The market is named after a famous cake, known as German Christmas cake, that you’ll have to try while you’re here. From the traditional gifts to the many boutique food shops, I think this is one of Germany’s most romantic Christmas markets.

Mannheim

They say that when Santa goes shopping, he goes to the beautiful Mannheim Christmas Market. A wonderful place with arts and crafts, candies, candles, and other great Christmas decorations, but even just strolling through the aisles of this atmospheric market is an experience in itself.

Leipzig

One of the largest and oldest markets, Leipzig’s market lights the night sky with the nearly 250 stalls in the main town square. Check out the world’s largest Advent calendar, the many christmas choirs, the fairytale forest, or even the cute model railway on display – it’s not just a market but a festival!

Heidelberg

I love the city of Heidelberg, with its castle ruins and wonderful shops along the main city street. It’s so pretty even in summer, but winter – with a dusting of snow – and it’s great for strolling, as the market spreads out across over five of the city’s main squares (Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten and Bismarckplatz). Don’t miss the decorations at City Hall, the ice skating, and explore the city as given the market is in a valley, you can get some great views from afar.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is so pretty at Christmas, some say it’s like being inside a gingerbread house! From the huge outdoor ice stake rink, to the tons of yummy treats and the town squares bathed in golden light, this is one great market. Don’t miss a few drinks along the many pubs in Dusseldorf’s “longest bar in the world.”

Berlin

Last but not least, as one of Germany’s largest cities, Berlin offers no less than sixty Christmas markets – yes, sixty! From long boulevards lined with shops, to town squares with tents brewing hot wine and cold beer, all tucked under historic buildings and castles, this is a must-visit. Some don’t miss markets are Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Castle, Potsdamer Platz, and the largest, Spandau.

Photo Credits: charley1965, lendog64, richbs, thragor, heatheronhertravels, ninayasmie, altoexyl, paleontour, khiltscher, sabrinchen, bchai, charlesfred, eirik

The Columbia River Gorge is consistently listed as one of the best places in the country to view fall foliage. The list of news organizations and websites that have touted splendor of the area during the autumn season is too long to list here. Instead, go see for yourself and take in Mother Nature’s show with a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

When you have finished leaf peeping, continue east to the Hood River. Orchards cover the valley here and fall is the peak of harvest season for both apples and pears. Add in stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams, and you have yourself a perfect autumn day.

When the Chinook (or East) winds start blowing, sometimes at hurricane force, you know that Jack Frost is making his arrival known. Bringing frigid air from the northeast, the winds quickly turn waterfalls into elaborate ice sculptures. If Jack nips at your nose a little too much, make a stop at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge for a hot chocolate (or something a little stronger) next to the fireplace to take the chill off.

Jack Frost is not the only visitor to the gorge this time of year. While most of the tourists are gone, bald eagles make their winter home along the banks of the Columbia River. A keen eye can find them stoically perched in trees, fishing for their salmon dinner, like this pair I found at Bonneville Dam.

After what seems like an eternity spent in deep freeze, the winds die down and the icy cliffs thaw. Trilliums sprout from the forest floor, heralding both the start of spring and hiking season. The trails may be a bit muddy, but if you don’t mind getting your feet a little dirty, this is a perfect time of year to hit the trail.

Trailheads are still relatively empty this time of year, with the exception of the first warm and dry weekend of the season. Many times you feel as if you have the entire trail, and forest for that matter, to yourself. The runoff from melting snow at higher elevations has the waterfalls flowing at their peak, and the show is nothing less than spectacular!

There is no way around it, with summer comes the crowds. Parking at popular destinations such as Multnomah Falls, Vista House and the trailhead for Eagle Creek are at a premium. Make sure to pack a little extra patience when you come to visit, or avoid the crowds and get an early start.

If extra patience didn’t make it into your suitcase, then wine tasting should probably be on your agenda. Most vineyards offer tasting rooms, some with dramatic mountain views. The Gorge White House in Hood River is like one-stop shopping for local wineries. Offering a large selection of local wines, the Dutch Colonial Revival house also boasts stunning gardens surrounded by working orchards. The perfect spot for a picnic lunch, and you are going to need something to soak up all that wine.

Winter, spring, summer or fall – the Columbia River Gorge has it all. No matter which season you choose to visit in, when the rain clouds part, you can always count on a spectacular sunset.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Called “Terrible Tilly” because of the extreme engineering required to get this lighthouse perched on a rocky island here in the rough Pacific, this lighthouse is 1.2 miles from shore. The one of the best viewpoint of the Tillamook Rock lighthouse is from Ecola State Park. It’s not open to the public (and you’d have to swim to get there!).

Cape Meares Lighthouse

This is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast, but you’ll love the area – visiting the Cape Meares lighthouse is a must in combination with exploring the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Tours of the lighthouse can be scheduled in advance; the lighthouse is no longer in use – an automated electric light is stationed on a nearby steel tower.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The Yaquina Head lighthouse, on the north edge of Newport, is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and still in use. The lighthouse is open for tours from 12 to 4 PM; it’s located in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, so there’s a fee per car to visit. However, you’ll want to check out the interpretive center as well as take advantage of exploring the area; I highlight recommend a walk down to the rocky beach to listen to the waves crash over the pebbles – such a wonderful sound!

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

The second Newport-area lighthouse and the only all-wood lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It was only in use for 3 years (1871-74), which is a shame because as you can see it looks more like a cozy home that conveniently has a lighthouse! In 1996 it became a functioning lighthouse again, and that cozy home area is now a museum.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

With it’s pinking-red roof and a scenic stretch of coast (with some great trails to get a vantagepoint), Heceta Head is the most often photographed lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It has the most powerful light of any on the coast, shining out 22 miles into the sea – that is far! The lighthouse assistant’s former house is now a bed and breakfast, and you can arrange for tours of the lighthouse too. But careful – it is said that Heceta Head is Oregon’s most haunted lighthouse.

Umpqua River Lighthouse

Umpqua River is built to the same plans as Heceta Head, so they’re all but identical. It’s unique in that it has a red-and-white lens setup, so on a misty or foggy day it’s a unique lighthouse to watch in action. The lighthouse is available for tours, and there’s a nearby whale watching platform and coastal visitors center.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

This is not the first or second, but third lighthouse to stand here at this busy point near Coos Bay – the first two lighthouse collapsed back into the ocean, but this one they decided reinforced concrete was a good idea. They say this is the Oregon coast’s hidden lighthouse, given its tucked away location – it’s a hard one to find!

Coquille River Lighthouse (Bandon Lighthouse)

As you can see in the photo, this lighthouse has quite a unique architecture to it, with the octagonal-shaped room connected to the lighthouse tower itself. It doesn’t look all that functional, given it’s so close to land, but actually the crashing Pacific has reshaped this area a great deal – the lighthouse used to be out on a rocky inlet. The lighthouse has an informative interpretive center, and many locals (and some of your travel literature) may call it the Bandon Lighthouse.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

This is Oregon’s oldest operating lighthouse and sits on the most westerly point of the state, jutting far out into the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was built in 1870 and had two relatively famous innkeepers who each worked here for nearly 40 years, which was an amazing feat considering even today the lighthouse is quite removed from civilization – back then it must have been all but barren. Cape Blanco State Park is also a gem and worth touring while you’re here – the lighthouse is in the park.

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

If this lighthouse looks more like someone’s home with perhaps a mailbox disguised as a lighthouse, you’d be correct in your assumptions – it is the home of Jim Gibbs, one of the foremost experts on lighthouses in Oregon, a prolific author, and former US Coastguardsman. The lighthouse/home was built in 1976 and is not open for visitors, but is worth it for the photo stop.

Pelican Bay Lighthouse

Last but certainly not least is Oregon’s southernmost lighthouse, Pelican Bay. It’s the newest lighthouse to grace the coast, and it is also a home and functioning lighthouse, similar to Cleft of the Rock. It’s not open to the public but you can definitely grab a photo – be careful not to miss your turn off, as the California state line is just a couple of miles down the road.

If that wasn’t enough lighthouses for you, then don’t miss our roundup of the world’s most spectacular lighthouses.

Photo Credits: US Coast Guard, To save on postage, zaui, NOAA, Dan Hershman, Theodore Scott, gabri_micha, zaui, DrBjorn, Larry Myhre, OCVA,

Special thanks to the Central Oregon Visitors Association, Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Travel Oregon, Evergreen Escapes, and all of our hosts along the coast for showing us this part of the country. Learn more about our editorial policy on sponsored trips here.

Dallas Arboretum: The World’s Largest Pumpkin Patch?

Some day the Dallas Arboretum hosts the world’s largest pumpkin patch. While it’s an unconfirmed statistic (at least I couldn’t), I have to say that 66-acres of grounds with over 40,000 decorative pumpkins and gourds and over 150,000 colorful fall plants makes for impression enough. (I’m going to skip over the “bigger in Texas” reference….)

World’s Largest Corn Maze: Dixon’s Cool Patch Pumpkins

Plan for a full day here in Dixon, California (near Sacramento) because after you’ve picked your pumpkins, you’ll want to explore the largest corn maze in the world. Looking at their online maps and instructions, this place is serious business – I would be worried.

Glass Pumpkin Patches

We recently featured some amazing glass art and architecture, inspired by a trip to Tacoma, Washington. The smart folks in Tacoma also arrange a popular glass pumpkin patch festival, with pumpkins so cute and adorable you will wonder why you didn’t think of the idea yourself. Glass pumpkin patches are held in many cities world-wide, so ask around.

Euro Pumpkin: The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin festival

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is an annual festival that is a must-see, if not for all the tasty pumpkin foods, but all the Pumpkin artworkthat surrounds the beautiful Ludwigsburg castle. Installation artworks and row-by-row-by-row of beautiful pumpkins and gourds, all with a unique German flair.

With Pumpkins comes Scarecrows

Did you know that the scarecrow is a 3,000 year old technology? It was first used in ancient Egypt along the Nile to keep flocks of quail off the crops. It was the Greeks, though, who stumbled onto the revelation that scary faces kept the birds at bay. The practice spread in Europe, and at the same time a similar scaregrow developed in Japan, which used smelly old means as an additional deterrent.

Babies Love Pumpkins Too

Pumpkin patches can be a great family activity, but they’re still romantic even if you’ve not got youngsters to take with you. This guy seems to be in a world all his own.

And don’t forget the animals….

Like any smart animal, this pup knows a good thing when he sees it. Think he’s excited?

Another Pumpkin Patch Hotspot: England

I’ve noticed a lot of pumpkin patches in England growing in popularity in recent years – I suppose much of that stems from the local food moment, and who wouldn’t want to make a pumpkin pie with pumpkins that you picked yourself? This farm in West Sussex looks to really roll out the red orange carpet when it comes to the fall harvest! The largest pumpkin patch in Europe is actually in Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Pumpkins + Wine = Harvest

This gorgeous shot from the King Estate winery near Eugene, Oregon reminds us to check out local vineyards – many host fall-related harvest events, including pumpkin patches and other autumnal wine tastings. Nothing like an excuse to drink and buy wine, right?

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

What’s a photo essay with pictures of pumpkin patches without that classic Peanuts line. Can’t you imagine the great pumpkin storming in from the fog? To get great photographs of pumpkin patches, you might want to try a morning jaunt – a great way to get photos like this.

Last but Not Least… Oh, Canada

I just loved this photo, so I really wanted to include it. But secondly, I didn’t want to leave our good friends up in Canada out, because they have some WONDERFUL pumpkin patch events across the country – the Circle Farm Tour in British Columbia, the *amazing* Halloween celebrations in Montreal (some of the best in the world), or the famed Calgary Corn Maze.

Pictures of Pumpkin Patches Photo Credits: grsing, zampano, steve garfield, mr.donb, st0rmz, mil8, flash716, wallygrom, Don Hankins, calliope, gorbould.

There is a small cost to drive through the park, but foot traffic is strictly forbidden-except when the lions are looking particularly hungry. (Just kidding!)

I wish my photo could do justice to the beautiful fellow below. We saw these starlings all over Kenya and Sudan. They were like breathing stained-glass windows with little wings turning dozens of shades of green, purple, and blue depending on the way the light hit them.

These fellows below are storks and I have to say that they don’t look exactly like I pictured them. I suppose I have been misled by the cartoon version of storks that I’ve seen in America. But these three proud storks are perching high in a famed African acacia tree.

The next birds I saw, I recognized: pink flamingos and sea gulls. I wish my camera could have captured for you the literally thousands of flamingos we saw that day. I thought this close-up shot would give you a better chance to appreciate their beauty. The Lake Nakuru flamingos are pretty well known, perhaps just because there are so many of them.

Below are two handsome little fellows with oddly-curved bills—ibises. They are found all over the world, but the African people have always found them especially beautiful and even sacred.

After seeing bunches of animals and birds I couldn’t identify, when I saw the herd grazing below, I thought, “Ah, I know what these are! Gazelles!” I was wrong. They are majestic African impalas.

I had always believed that zebras were black and white. I mean, the American retailers of faux zebra handbags would certainly know, wouldn’t they? False! Asian zebras are black and white, but African zebras are brown and white. Just to be sure, I asked our guide, “Maybe they just appear brown because they’re dirty.” But he laughed and shook his head to let me know that I was wrong.

But wait! They look black and white here!

It’s just because they’re in the shade. Trust me. They’re brown and white.

My next opportunity to prove that I knew almost nothing about African animals came when I caught my first glimpse of waterbucks. I had never heard of these cute guys, but they seemed to be almost as curious about us as we were about them.

After we had seen the waterbucks, another guide said, “That way! The lions are down the road that way!” And we began an hour-long search for the elusive lion family. Alas, it was sadly fruitless and so I have no lion picture to share. But as I always say, “That’s just another good reason to return for another visit!”

The Biggest Glass Palace in the World – Leipzig, Germany

They call the great hall at the Leipzig Fair “the biggest glass palace in the World” because just looking at it, you can see it’s incredible. It’s the largest levitated glass hall, 240 meters long and 80 meters wide, with 1140 tons of glass floating above your head.

The Okinawa Aquarium, Japan

While it might be “acrylic” glass (so, slightly different than what you’d drink a beer out of), the largest acrylic glass panel in the world can be found at the Okinawa Aquarium. As this photo suggest, it’s a surreal experience. Many say this aquarium is the best in the world. I’ll leave you to go and decide for yourself.

Apple George Street store in Sydney Australia

Apple has a knack for building incredible, noteworthy Apple Stores – the architecture is part of the experience. Their store on 5th Avenue in New York is the most photographed location on Flickr, believe it or not, but it is the George Street Store in Sydney Australia that makes a noteworthy glass accomplishment – the largest seamless glass panes in the world. I personally do love shopping in Sydney, so if you’re down under, say hello to the folks at Apple – and then check out some other recommended stuff to do in Sydney.

Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is certainly one of the Windy City’s highlights – and that’s saying something from a town known for its architecture. This is Tiffany’s Largest Glass Dome and Skylight, and it is the largest stained-glass domed ceiling in the world. And don’t miss my other tips for fun places to go in Chicago.

Worlds Largest Glass Sculpture – Bellagio, Las Vegas

I couldn’t have a list of glass amazement without featuring Dale Chihuly, the world’s foremost glass artist and a true genius. His built the largest glass sculpture in the world which is on display on the ceiling of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. It appears to be oozing across the ceiling, almost ominously. It’s wonderful.

The World’s largest Collection of Glass Art

If you like glass, then you must visit one of the world’s best glass museums, the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG). It’s home to the largest collection of glass art, and has some wonderful pieces and an extraordinary permanent collection. Corning is a lovely town in upstate New York, great to visit this museum in combination with a trip around the Finger Lakes.

Central Saint Giles, London

Talk about a unique piece of architecture! These entirely glass facades that drape the buildings of Central Saint Giles in London are a departure from the city’s more reserved building features, but my what an eye opener they are, especially on a dreary, cloudy day. Beautiful, eh? A must see during your trip to London.

Louvre Pyramid, Paris, France

What glass art list would be complete without a photo of the world’s most famous and iconic glass pyramid? This wonderful addition to the Louvre in Paris, France, is so famous that it’s spawned numerous copies and features in many films and movies, including The Davinci Code. You can’t see in the photo, but the Louvre has 4 pyramids – the one large pyramid and 3 smaller ones surrounding it.

Cascade at Adelaide Botanical Garden in Australia

If you’re considering the possibilities of what to do in Adelaide, then you must visit the Adelaide Botanical garden. That’s where you’ll see this wonderful glass structure, Cascade. There are over 500 glass pieces glued together to create this tidal wave of awesome!

Murano, Italy: The Home of Glass

Murano is said to be the home of glasswork – many of today’s glassworking techniques are based on those same principles that were pioneered in Murano. You’ll have an endless choice of shops for buying glass, or to watch glass art being made, plus you’ll want to visit the Murano Glass Museum – where you’ll see some amazing works, like these glass plants!

Bridge of Glass, Tacoma

Of course, we have to visit the city that inspired this list! Tacoma has a lot of great public glass art, much of it from Dale Chihuly. His most famous piece must be the Bridge of Glass. No, the entire bridge isn’t glass, but it’s got hundreds of pieces and this wonderful ceiling that will leave you totally inspired. Next door to it is the Tacoma Museum of Art, a must-visit.

World’s Largest Stained Glass Window

The largest stained glass window in the world was located on the facade of the American Airlines terminal at JFK airport in New York. Unfortunately, the airline didn’t have the money for the upkeep of the facade, and no donors or sponsors came forward to take it, so it was dismantled.

Now, the largest stained glass window is at the Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. It seems like an unlikely destination for a glass-lover, but if you drop by at sunset, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display.

Most Evocative Stained Glass

Speaking of stained glass, my personal favorite for stained glass is the beautiful Sainte Chapelle chapel in Paris, France. It’s just so experiential – it’s dark, the colored light streams in, the tourists are quiet and respectful….

Crown Fountain

Chicago’s Millennium Park has really changed over the years – it’s a prime property but today it’s also a tourist hot spot, with so many wonderful outdoor pavilions, public art, and view after view. One of the more controversial pieces are these glass brick towers. They have faces of local Chicagoans portrayed on them. I’ve seen it and it’s interesting – perhaps not my personal faves, but the kids romping in the reflecting pond in between, it seems a hit with the locals.

The Glass House

Like minimalism and modern architecture? Then you’ll want to check out The Glass House (or Johnson House), built in 1949 in New Canaan, Connecticut. You can note influences of Mies van der Rohe and Glasarchitektur, the famous German style from the 1920s. It’s a private home, tucked away from view (er, probably best!), but tours are available.

Scariest Piece of glass to Stand on

There are plenty of glass viewing decks in the world that are a bit adrenaline-pumping, but the relatively new Grand Canyon Skywalk certainly takes the cake – this horseshoe shaped structure has a fully transparent glass floor, and glass side walls – apart from the bit of supporting structure you see in the photo (which I think we’re all thankful for), this view isn’t for the weak of heart.

The Glass Flowers

Last but not least, we end at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As with most things Harvard, it’s an immaculate and organized collection of exhibits, covering many genres, but one of the most interesting is the enormous collection of glass flowers. Not quite one-of-everything, but close!

Photo Credits: Matthias17, carolsawada, shanodiwakar, whistlepunch, stuckincustoms, sludgeulper, woolner, batigolix, brewbooks, sbc9, Andy Hayes, lapstrake, riverap1, sergemelki, mjkmjk, joeshlabotnik.

You know the story… the perfect sunset, or the most unique vista, and the one thing that makes it perfect are… the clouds. I love clear blue skies for miles, but clouds just add something special to it. And as you can see in this photo essay, clouds can be beautiful! Here are a few of the common types of clouds, pictures to match. Disclosure: I’m not cloud expert, so I’ve consulted our readers for their tips and recommendations. Enjoy

Orographic Cloud: Famous like Table Mountain, Capetown

A Orographic cloud is a cloud that hugs and tucks it self up around large geographic features, like mountains. This type of cloud isn’t as common, but they’re often famous, like the cloud that often hangs over Table Mountain in Capetown. As you may know, the geography can often affect the weather patterns, and since clouds are really just water vapor, orographic clouds can result.

Strato-cumulus: Perfect for Sunsets

Strato-cumulus are the type of clouds you want for your sunsets – they’re the ones that react so vividly to the reds and oranges of a good sunset. They’re flat on the bottom but fluffy on top, giving the sky such a surreal texture. Great for pictures – no Instagram filter required!

Cloud classifications were created in 1803. They’re actually Latin words that describe the type of cloud:
- Cirrus: tufts
- Stratus: layer
- Nimbus: rain bearing
- Cumullus: heap or pile

Nimbo-stratus: Usually Bad News

A nimbo-stratus is a type of cloud you don’t want to see on your trip – because this is the bearer of bad news. Nimbo-stratus are dark, flat, hang low and mean that rain is on the way.

The only bright side is that nimbo-stratus can part, making room for some lovely rainbow pictures, like the one above.

Cumulus: Hey, Do you see what I see?

Cumulus clouds are very common, and they’re my personal favorite. Why? Because they are the type of clouds that often resemble everyday objects – like one minute it’s a rubber duckie, and the next minute somebody sees a knight of armor. Cumulus clouds look great in travel pictures, because they give such a nice dimension to the sky.

What do you see in the photo above?

Cirrus: Streaks in the Sky

Cirrus clouds can be thin, wispy, or curly. They’re quite high in the atmosphere, hence why they have that airbrushed painting-like appearance. These clouds actually have ice crystals in them they’re so high up in the sky. They’re beautiful, too, as they come in many shapes and sizes.

Contrails: Man Made Clouds

Contrails, short for condensation trails, are formed by the water vapor hitting the exhaust from jet engines. Contrails only appear in cold, clear, humid air (though that doesn’t mean it has to be cold on the ground, just up at the altitude of the plane). Because they’re just water vapor, contrails are technically a type of cloud!

Cirro-stratus: Wispy

Cirro-stratus is a type of cloud that looks similar to others but it’s found very high in the sky; it’s similar to our friend cirrus, but in this case the streaks are usually a little more uniform, in bands or sheets.

While the random, natural effects of cirrus are beautiful, these cirro-stratus clouds are simply a work of art.

Fog: Better with a View

Last but not least, we have a cloud-y friend that we’re all familiar with: fog. Fog clouds are actually stratus clouds who have decided to hang out a bit too low.

Fog goes by many names in various parts of the world – San Francisco’s famous for fog, but have you heard of Scotland’s haar? Fog also plays a role in folklore and mythology in many parts of the world.

Fog isn’t always pretty when you’re in it – but if you can get some elevation, the view can be stunning.

Photo Credits: La Chiquita, james jordan, nicholas T, Andy Hayes, jasmic, nicholas T, tambako